For the New York City film premiere of A Mighty Heart, award-winning actress Angelina Jolie made headlines, but it wasn’t for lip locking with her brother or showing off another baby bump. Jolie, who is one of Hollywood‘s highest paid actresses, didn’t appear on the red carpet with a satin Dolce & Gabbana gown or a sexy canary yellow Ungaro number. Instead, she chose a $26 velvet slip dress, which immediately became a must-have among women wanting to look like Brad Pitt’s flame. However, this look has been popular for years and has no plans of disappearing.
If you’re only going to follow one fashion trend this year, make it vintage. It’s a major buzz word being spread among fashionistas on looking ultra chic without spending too much of that hard earned cash. Imagine wearing limited edition Chanel, Dior, or Pucci, while still having enough to spare for an entire wardrobe in time for the New Year. Style icons, such as Dita Von Teese, Chloe Sevigny, and supermodel Agyness Deyn all prefer wearing garments of yesteryear, allowing them to be both glamorous and economical either on the runways or on the street with friends. While many may protest against wearing used clothing worn during World War II, every designer knows that recreating the styles from decades gone by is the key to success. Therefore, why spend thousands of dollars for an imitation when the real thing can be found at a shop near you?
To learn the secrets of finding rare gems for our closet, we spoke with vintage shopping expert Sandra Mendoza-Daly, who spends her time blogging about her own vintage discoveries. Daly has been featured in Glamour Italy and Glam.com for her expertise on hunting for unique, enchanting threads that anyone can afford. We may be living in a recession today, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t travel back in time to look glamorous for any occasion, without breaking the bank.
How to Shop for Vintage
How to Shop for Vintage Tip #1: Know Your Measurements
When shopping for vintage, always carry a measuring tape in your bag. Important measurements to know are your bust, waist, and hips. Sometimes it is inconvenient to try on clothing at the thrift store, so knowing your measurements will be very helpful in selecting garments that fit and accentuate your shape.
If you need a tutorial on how to take your own measurements, check out DebutanteClothing.com’s video here.
How to Shop for Vintage Tip #2: Check for Damage
There is nothing more heartbreaking than finding moth holes or stains on a beautiful chiffon dress after you bring it home. Find the best lighting in the store and check for “nibbles” or moth holes. Larvae can be killed with dry cleaning, but the damage they leave behind is often not repairable. Don’t forget to look for stains and rips. You will be able to determine if they are treatable.
How to Shop for Vintage Tip #3: Shop High and Low
Vintage hunting is not for the weak. Search everything and everywhere. If you don’t look for it, it can’t be found. Some of the best finds can be discovered at charity thrift shops, such as the Salvation Army and church rummage sales. If you are short on time and need a vintage dress for a special occasion, high-end boutiques and online stores can offer good deals. VintageShoppingGuide.com has a huge database of vintage stores and a walking map for the New York City area to help you find the best spots.
How to Shop for Vintage Tip #4: Don’t Be a Label Snob
Take note from Carrie Bradshaw when she was shopping for her perfect wedding dress with Mr. Big! Sometimes, the best finds are labels that you have never heard of, or no label at all. There are also times when obscure labels end up being collectible. Shop quality, not name brand.
How to Shop for Vintage Tip #5: Take Chances
Shopping vintage can be inexpensive. If you find something truly unique, grab it. Don’t think twice because it might not be there in a few minutes. If you get home and change your mind, it won’t be such a large investment if you have to give it away or re-donate it to a charity thrift store. Some shops even have return policies. Look at vintage as found art, ready to be reworked. Padded shoulders can be easily removed. Sleeves and hemlines can also be shortened. Rework it and give a vintage garment new life.
How to Shop for Vintage Online
How to Shop for Vintage Online Tip #1: Check Return Policy
If a return policy is not clearly given, email and ask! Any good seller will offer some sort of return policy. Many eBay sellers do not offer any kind of return policy, but do not complain-you get what you pay for. If you are lucky enough to score a $20 1950's full skirt dress, don't expect much else to come with it. So ask first! But, do not be unreasonable. If you bought a dress knowing the size and you STILL thought you could get your 40DDs into a 36" bust dress, please do not return it because it did not fit. Do your homework!
How to Shop for Vintage Online Tip #2: Check Affiliations
Find out who the store is affiliated with-organizations, other vintage stores, etc. These can be very telling. The Vintage Fashion Guild (vintagefashionguild.com) is an organization that strives to cultivate a network of knowledgeable and trustworthy sellers. They’re a major plus on anyone’s online shop.
How to Shop for Vintage Online Tip #3: Take Note of Payment Plans
A professional seller will accept credit cards along with Paypal payments. If they do not accept credit cards, move on! Credit cards are a good source of protection if you have the unfortunate experience of dealing with someone that is not playing fair.
How to Shop For Vintage Online Tip #4: Look for Feedback
Often, online stores will have a feedback or comments page. Sometimes, a link to eBay feedback will be provided. Check these out. They can provide valuable information about the seller and their service.
